India refuses to change its stance on Siachen

Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony said the Indian government has decided to stick to its conventional position, cautioning against expecting a major breakthrough in the Siachen Glacier talks being held next in next week in Islamabad.

He was quoted saying on the sidelines of a public gathering, “Don’t expect dramatic announcement or decision there on an issue which is very important for us, especially in the context of national security”.

His remarks thereby dismissed any hope that the meeting offered. He also didn’t spell out India’s proposed stance in the coming talks between the two arch rivals.

However, some local reports said the defenec minister was apparently referring to Indian demand for a proper authentication of current troop positions in Siachen by the two states. He observed, “Our stand is there and the defence secretary will explain the stand there”.

The defence secretaries of the two countries are going to have the discussion there but they have already discussed this issue in detail.

He refused to reply saying that they have very clear cut position, since discussions are going to take place.

His statement appeared to diminish the hope offered by Pakistan’s High Commissioner Shahid Malik who was quoted as saying that both India and Pakistan would benefit from demilitarization in the world’s highest battlefield, Siachen Glacier.

India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) decided to stay with the country’s known position on the authentication of troops, looking it as the first step towards the ultimate objective of demilitarization.

Pakistan refused the Indian offer to authenticate the troop positions and demarcate the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) on the map before taking steps to demilitarize the Siachen.

Armies of both the countries are deployed there since 1984 and are observing ceasefire since 2003.

Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani talked of demilitarization of Siachen when he visited the glacier in the aftermath of burying alive of 139 Pakistani soldiers in an avalanche in April.

The Siachen troop withdrawal issue has gained prominence in Pakistan following a massive avalanche which buried an entire Pakistan army forward operating base on April 7, resulting in the death of 129 soldiers and 11 civilian contractors.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Jun 9 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.